FROM THE EAST

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21821, 26 November 1940, Page 4

FROM THE EAST

Monterey Arrives With Evacuees Auckland’s Hospitality By Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, November 25. With atmospheric touches of the Far East, the Matson liner Monterey presented an unusual spectacle on arrival this morning with 794 passengers, the majority of whom are American nationals being evacuated to the United States. In throngs thickly lining the ship’s railings as the liner entered port on a perfect morning were a large number of happy children with a pronounced American accent, American business men from Shanghai, sad-eyed women who had left husbands behind, also negroes and people of various religious denominations. Leaving San Francisco on October 15, the Monterey proceeded to Los Angeles, Honolulu, Yokohama, Shanghai and Manila. A Torres Strait pilot was picked up at Thursday Island and the run down the Australian coast to Sydney was made inside the Great Barrier reef. The round trip was without incident, with calm xveather throughout. Passengers stated that the tension existing between foreign nationals and Japanese was so serious that American business firms were evacuating all families of their employees before December 1. All berths on regular liners to America were booked months ahead. Sightseeing in the city and suburbs this morning and entertainment in the Town Hall in the afternoon thoroughly delighted the Americans. A great majority of the visitors took advantage of this programme, although about 100 men and women were guests of the Auckland Racing Club at the spring meeting at Ellerslie. The arrangements for the reception and entertainment of the visitors were made by the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, with the co-operation of the Automobile Association (Auckland). A fleet of buses and 75 private cars were assembled. Before the Monterey sailed the visitors lined her decks to listen to an entertainment given by the Papakura Camp Band and by Maori poi dancers.